Texas Farm Bureau disappointed in lack of cotton, dairy fix

(WACO, Texas)–A funding feud has cost American farmers access to a vital safety net designed to help them when they need it most.

The omnibus spending bill proposed by Congress earlier this week almost included access to 2014 Farm Bill programs for cotton and dairy farmers. Last minute political maneuvering by key senators killed the deal.

“Some really disappointing political games caused the loss of assistance to thousands of struggling farmers across the nation,” Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) President Russell Boening said. “Congress needs to provide access to viable risk management tools for cotton and dairy farmers now before it’s too late. This all or nothing approach hurts farmers who are also weathering storms, droughts and floods, along with low commodity prices.”

Boening said this display of political gamesmanship sank the efforts of House Agriculture Chairman Mike Conaway of Texas and Ranking Minority member Collin Peterson of Minnesota.

“Chairman Conaway, with the assistance of other members of Congress, has recognized the issues that have so many family farmers struggling right now,” Boening said. “We are disappointed that their efforts in crafting a bipartisan bill were lost in the politics of the situation.”

The omnibus spending bill funds the government through the end of fiscal year 2017.